The New Orleans Wildlife Band began in 2016 as Grayson Brockamp’s project to feature some of the best young vocalists in New Orleans. What began as an opportunity to showcase singers quickly developed into a unique ensemble built around strong rhythms, vocal harmonies, and fiery arrangements of classic songs. Brockamp encourages all of his bandmates to contribute their vocal talents, creating a sound that often has audiences spontaneously joining the choir.

 

Heavily influenced by the Black American Music they grew up on, the band’s repertoire is informed by the blues and gospel, with rap lyrics sprinkled throughout. Brockamp provides musical direction from the bass chair while often singing background lyrics and, more recently, incorporating his rapping skills while holding down the bass line—mixing Busta Rhymes with Sonny Rollins, and Eminem with Charlie Parker.

 

Since their first gig in 2016, the Wildlife Band has released a self-titled EP under Nicholas Payton’s Paytone Records and the full-length album A Dream Or A Nightmare, which was later re-released by Ropeadope Records. The band has performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and developed its chemistry through long-term residencies at the Marigny Brasserie and Royal Frenchmen Hotel.

 

Today, the band maintains a monthly appearance at Snug Harbor and performs in configurations ranging from duo and trio settings to a seven-piece ensemble. The band seeks to never play a song the same way twice, making every performance a new musical journey.